title: Hexagonal Six-point Traction Technique for Optimum Surgical Exposure of the Subaortic Region.
abstract: Surgery of the subaortic region is challenging because of spatial limitations. We present our technique of enhanced exposure of this region that allows for a smooth, expeditious, and safe repair of such lesions as subaortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, subaortic ventricular septal defects, and related pathologies. Using a hexagonal 6-point traction technique, approximately 84% of the cross-sectional area of the aortic root is made available to the surgeon for a transaortic subaortic resection keeping the use of retractors to a minimum. The technique ensures protection of the aortic valve leaflets and the enhanced exposure may contribute to improved surgical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Walter Sisulu Pediatric Cardiac Center for Africa, Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Edwin
authors.forename: Robin H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Kinsley
keywords: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; subaortic stenosis; traction sutures; transaortic